Most computer users face many kinds of threats on the internet these days. There are several types of viruses and several strains that fall into those categories. Besides the many different kinds of malicious software, hackers also pose a serious threat. To combat these threats, a serious cyber security solution is needed. Antivirus, antimalware, and network security software are needed just to stop known malicious software. To fight unknown viruses software developers use heuristic detection. Along with the various software used to protect the system, network users will need to know how to stop viruses from activating and avoid future infections from doing damage.

Passwords are the most basic type of protection against unauthorized access. If users aren’t making their passwords strong enough hackers are able to use brute force to find their way into the network. This means that users will have to learn to create passwords that contain at least fifteen characters that include special characters, numbers, and capital letters.

Updates for operating systems and security software helps close security holes in the system. As inconvenient as it may seem, users will need to let their system update as often as needed. System administrators can help make the process more convenient by scheduling updates while the office is closed or while computers are least likely to be used. Sometimes updates will need to take place while the system is in use and everyone will need to learn to cope with that.

Network configuration settings can help keep the network safe or they can leave it wide open to attack. Users will have to avoid changing any settings that might make the network more vulnerable. Wireless networks are notoriously easy to hack. Changing a single WiFi setting could leave the entire network open. Only administrators should be allowed to change these settings.

Scheduled backups will need to be performed often. Users need to learn to keep their backed up files as current as possible. Fighting malicious software often requires that the system is wiped. If files aren’t backed up they could lose hours of work. System administrators can help make this a habit by adding alerts to the system.